Cricket 2022: Australian captain Pat Cummins set to sacrifice IPL millions ahead of jammed international schedule

Australia’s test captain Pat Cummins has turned his back on IPL riches ahead of a jam-packed international schedule that includes an Ashes, a tour of India and an ODI world cup.

Pat Cummins has been bed-ridden for two days but has flown to Adelaide in a determined bid to lead Australia in a new era of white ball cricket.

On the same day Cummins’ confirmed he would sacrifice his $1.35 million Indian Premier League deal to be ready for Australia’s year of reckoning, the new ODI captain will battle through a severe bout of gastro in a bid to set the tone for his team against England on Thursday.

News Corp understands Cummins was forced to miss his flight to Adelaide on Monday night and had every excuse to sit out the series opener, having barely been able to lift his head off the pillow for 36 hours.

However, Cummins managed to get on a flight on Tuesday and the captain’s desperation to play will set an example for his teammates as the fast bowler looks to lead Australia back from the disappointment of the T20 World Cup and challenge for next year’s 50-over crown.

It’s understood Cummins is set to play for Australia on Thursday.Australia had been accused in some quarters of not showing enough passion or intent during the failed T20 campaign, but despite England questioning the timing of these ODIs, the presence of Cummins and a full strength Aussie side shows the home side is viewing this series as important in setting a barometer for the next year.

Australian captain Pat Cummins has chosen his country over the IPL.

The statement of intent from the captain came as Josh Hazlewood indicated he would join Cummins and Mitchell Starc in scaling down his IPL commitments next year.

News Corp understands Hazlewood is in negotiations with his IPL franchise to play some matches, but not the entire season in 2023, in an effort to keep himself fresh for what promises to be an epic year for Australian cricket.

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The three great Everest challenges for any Australian cricketer all take place next year, with a four-Test tour of India, a five-Test Ashes tour of England and ultimately, a 50-over World Cup back in the sub-continent.

Cummins has taken on the Australian ODI captaincy on top of his responsibilities as Test skipper, and put a marker down on Tuesday by announcing he would be resting during the IPL next year – giving up his million dollar contract with the Kolkata KnightRiders.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to miss next year’s IPL. The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODIs for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup,” Cummins wrote on twitter.

I’ve made the difficult decision to miss next years IPL. The international schedule is packed with Tests and ODI’s for the next 12 months, so will take some rest ahead of an Ashes series and World Cup. pic.twitter.com/Iu0dF73zOW

— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) November 14, 2022

Left-arm superstar Starc has already sacrificed tens of millions of dollars for his country over the years to put country ahead of his bank balance and skip the IPL.

Next year will be no different, with Starc again set to resist advances from Indian clubs desperate for his services, with Test cricket his absolute priority.

Starc is just 13 wickets away from achieving the momentous feat of 300 Test wickets, a milestone which has been majorly boosted by the dedication he has shown to preserving his body for Test match cricket.

Hazlewood has not played the same amount of Test cricket as Starc and Cummins in recent years due to injury and non-selection in south Asian conditions, but will also take a break during the IPL next year in a sign of his commitment to Australia’s colossal 12 months.

The example set by Australia’s pace trio may well influence young all-rounder Cameron Green into taking a similar decision.

Will the sacrifices of Australia’s fast-bowling pack rub off on young gun Cam Green? Picture: Getty Images

Green has been inundated with interest from IPL franchises, with his boom performance in Australia’s three-match T20 tour of India last month making him a prime candidate as an all-rounder who can open the batting and bowl four overs.

Senior voices in Australian cricket have cautioned Green against rushing to the big money, advising him to look after his body at this delicate and important stage of his blossoming career.

Green is yet to make a decision on whether he will enter the IPL auction, but it will be interesting whether the decision made by his captain Cummins has any influence on his own call.

Cricket Australia has actively encouraged its players to play the IPL over recent years, with selectors led by George Bailey adamant it’s an avenue to improving as a cricketer.

However, that said, CA will be relieved its fast bowling contingent will largely opt out of next year’s edition given the obvious workload concerns.

ODI cricket has become a common form for players to rest from the hectic schedule, but all 50-over matches from here to next year’s World Cup are precious.

Cummins won’t necessarily play every match between now and next year’s World Cup in 12 months time but is determined to be a consistent leadership presence.